A round-table discussion on the topic “Water Diplomacy and Opportunities for Regional Cooperation”
01.05.2026
The event was organized at the initiative of the “People’s Diplomats” Club under the SCO Center for Public Diplomacy, and was actively attended by students, young scientists, researchers, and field specialists.
The discussion was dedicated to issues of water resource management in Central Asia, regulation of transboundary water relations, and strengthening regional cooperation. The roundtable was opened with an introductory speech by Abdulkhakim Salokhiddinov, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation at the university. The distinguished guest, Qobiljon Kasimovich Sobirjonov, Director of the SCO Center for Public Diplomacy in Uzbekistan, also took part in the event.
Among the participants were experts such as Iskandar Khikmatovich Abdullayev, Senior Researcher at the Central Asia Office of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), and Fazilatkhon Ahrorovna Abdullayeva, Head of the Training Center at the Scientific Information Center of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination. In their speeches, they emphasized that water resources today have strategic importance at both global and regional levels. They highlighted that in the context of Central Asia, the effective and equitable use of water is closely linked to stability and development among countries.
They also noted the importance of supporting the scientific potential and initiatives of young people and involving them in solving pressing environmental and social challenges.
In his speech, Center Director Qobiljon Sobirov elaborated on the role and importance of water diplomacy today, its contribution to the development of international cooperation, and its significance in strengthening mutual trust at the regional level. He particularly emphasized the need to introduce international legal mechanisms, scientific approaches, and modern management methods in water resource management. He also provided detailed information about environmental projects being implemented by the Center.
During the roundtable, participants engaged in extensive discussions on modern approaches to water resource management, legal frameworks for the use of transboundary water basins, ensuring environmental sustainability, and prospects for developing regional cooperation. Young researchers actively participated by presenting their scientific developments, innovative ideas, and practical proposals, putting forward important initiatives for advancing water diplomacy.
The discussions highlighted the need to ensure a balance of mutual interests in water use, strengthen open dialogue and trust, and expand cooperation with international organizations and scientific institutions.
In addition, issues related to launching joint educational and scientific programs aimed at developing knowledge and skills in water diplomacy among young people were discussed.
At the conclusion of the event, a number of practical proposals and recommendations were developed to promote water diplomacy and strengthen regional cooperation. In particular, agreements were reached on supporting scientific research activities, regularly organizing seminars and roundtable discussions, studying international experience, and implementing it in practice.
This roundtable served as an open platform for youth dialogue and was recognized as an important venue for promoting new ideas and initiatives in the field of water diplomacy, expanding scientific cooperation, and contributing to regional stability.
